Vermont Air National Guard members deployed overseas in December are participating in a campaign to drive the Islamic State group from Mosul, Iraq, according to the Defense Department.

F-16 pilots with the South Burlington-based 158th Fighter Wing "delivered combat airpower" for Iraqi ground forces within 15 hours of arriving in the Middle East on Dec. 10, the military disclosed in a recent online post about a general’s review of U.S. troops.

The battle to retake Mosul — Iraq’s second-largest city, with a population of more than a million residents — began in October, two years after Islamic State militants captured the area. Vermonters have been involved in battles for Mosul since the United States invaded Iraq in 2003, and two soldiers with Vermont ties have been killed there.

In late January, Iraqi ground forces, with support from U.S.-led coalition air strikes, captured Mosul’s eastern sector from IS fighters. Militants still control the city’s western half.

About 300 airmen with the Vermont Guard received an unusually short 30 days notice before deploying to the region Dec. 7. Guard commanders previously have said the mission was to take on the IS group in Iraq and Syria, but the military’s recent post marked the first time the exact nature and location of the Vermonters’ mission was made public.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron, 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont National Guard, takes off from Burlington International Airport in South Burlington in December 2016. Airmen from the 158th and a squadron of F-16s from the 134th deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve to fight the Islamic State group.(Photo11: Tech. Sgt. Sarah Mattison/U.S. Air National Guard)

"We got a tasking to get out here, get these jets ready. Typically for a Guard unit, that’s about a year process," Lt. Col. Brian Lepine of the Vermont Air Guard said in a Defense Department video.

Guard members originally were scheduled to have several days in the Middle East to set up and test equipment before entering combat, but the schedule accelerated at the request of the host nation, Lepine said.

"In less than 15 hours, we were asked to produce combat-effective aircraft and put it over the targets," he said. Airmen hurried to prepare two of the unit's F-16s. "And we haven't let up since. It's been sortie after sortie after sortie."

The unit is expecting to "run continuous operations for the next couple months," said Lepine, who lives in Essex Junction.

The full unit, known as the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, also includes forces from Alabama, New Jersey and Wisconsin.

Staff Sgt. Larry Runk, 407th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron crew chief, speaks with a pilot assigned to the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron through his headset during preflight checks. Runk is a member of the Vermont-based 158th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard.(Photo11: Master Sgt. Benjamin Wilson/U.S. Air Force)

One of the F-16 pilots, Capt. "Cash" Shaner, said in the video he'd never heard of a unit's joining the fight so quickly after arrival.

"We’ve worked very hard to fit in to the broader mission in this region," said Shaner, who is on his first combat deployment.

Vermont Guard spokeswoman Capt. Dyana Allen said Friday the mission is going well. "Everybody's in good spirits, and morale is high," she said.

There have been no casualties, said Capt. Tracy Morris, spokeswoman for 158th Fighter Wing.

"Everybody has been professional, proficient, working very very hard, working 16 hours, 18 hours a day," she said. "Really everything that we train for is what they have been doing."

Maj. Gen. Steven Cray and other command staff visited the deployed airmen in early January, where they joined Lt. Gen. Scott Rice, director of the Air National Guard, to recognize the service members and pose for photos. The Vermont airmen are based outside of Iraq.

The Vermont Guard's deployment is expected to continue until late February or early March. Morris said the unit has yet to receive orders specifying when the mission will end.

Mosul is in northern Iraq, near the borders of Syria and Turkey.

Despite progress in the battle for Mosul, Iraqi military commanders say they expect the threat from Islamic State to continue, even in liberated parts of the city. Militants are known to shave their traditional beards and try to blend in before they strike again.

Staff Sgt. Larry Runk, 407th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron crew chief, speaks with a pilot assigned to the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron through his headset during preflight checks at the 407th Air Expeditionary Group in December.(Photo11: Master Sgt. Benjamin Wilson/U.S. Air Force)

Islamic State is a militant group that broke with the terrorist organization al-Qaida and has taken control of large portions of Iraq and Syria. IS overran Mosul in 2014.

The two Vermont soldiers killed in Mosul were Army Capt. Pierre Piche, 29, of Starksboro in a helicopter crash in 2003, and Maine National Guard Spc. Christopher D. Gelineau, 23, who graduated from Mount Abraham Union High School in Bristol, in an ambush in 2004.

In all, 41 service members with ties to Vermont have been killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003.

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Iraq's federal police members wave Iraq's national flag as they celebrate in the Old City of Mosul on July 9, 2017, after the government's announcement of the "liberation" of the embattled city.
Iraq declared victory against the Islamic State group in Mosul on July 9 after a grueling months-long campaign, dealing the biggest defeat yet to the jihadist group. Fadel Senna, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi security and civilians celebrate while holding national flags as they wait for the final announcement of the defeat of the Islamic state militants, in Basra, 340 miles southeast of Baghdad, Iraq, on July 9, 2017. Backed by the U.S.-led coalition, Iraq launched the operation to retake Mosul from Islamic State militants in October. Nabil al-Jurani, AP

Buildings in Mosul show months of war in this view of the city on July 9, 2017. Iraq will announce victory in the nearly nine-month offensive to retake Mosul from jihadists, a U.S. general said, as celebrations break out in the city. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the Iraqi federal police dance with children and a national flag during a celebration of the end of military operations against Islamic State fighters in the Old City of Mosul, on July 2, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the Iraqi federal police dance with children during a celebration of the end of military operations against Islamic State fighters in the Old City of Mosul, on July 2, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi federal police raises the victory gesture dances during military parade celebrating the end of military operations against Islamic State fighters in the Old City of Mosul, on July 2, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service cheer as they carry upside-down a black flag of the Islamic State group, with the destroyed Al-Nuri mosque seen in the background, in the Old City of Mosul on July 2, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service gather outside the destroyed gate of the Al-Nuri Mosque while others inspect the interiors, in the Old City of Mosul on July 2, 2017, during the Iraqi government forces' offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. Explosions on the evening of June 21, 2017 leveled the mosque where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi gave his first sermon as leader of the Islamic State group, along with its ancient minaret. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi forces member patrols in the Old City of Mosul on July 1, 2017 where they are battling some of the last members of the Islamic State jihadist group in the city. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service smokes a cigarette as he walks with an assault rifle inside a damaged building, during the advance towards the Old City of Mosul on June 19, 2017 as the ongoing offensive continues to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State group fighters.
Iraqi forces pushed deeper into Mosul's Old City after launching a final assault on the Islamic State group, warning civilians to stay inside and telling jihadists to "surrender or die". Mohamed El-Shahed, AFP/Getty Images

A member of Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service mans a machine gun as another takes cover inside a building during the advance towards the Old City of Mosul on June 19, 2017. Mohamed El-Shahed, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi forces member fires a 23 mm anti-aircraft gun as they advance towards the Old City of Mosul on June 19, 2017 during an ongoing offensive to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State group fighters.
Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service poses for a picture in a skeleton-defaced ski-mask, as Iraqi forces advance towards the Old City of Mosul on June 20, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A bullet-riddled vehicle belonging to the Iraqi forces is seen as troops advance towards Mosul's Old City on June 18, 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State group. Military commanders told AFP the assault had begun at dawn after overnight air strikes by the US-led coalition backing Iraqi forces. They said the jihadists were putting up fierce resistance. Mohamed El-Shahed, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces walks down a staircase as they advance towards Mosul's Old City on June 18, 2017, during the ongoing offensive by Iraqi forces to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State group.
Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi forces vehicle drives past a damaged building as troops advance towards Mosul's Old City on June 18, 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State group.
Mohamed El-Shahed, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the Iraqi forces patrol the streets in the western neighborhood of Tamuz in Mosul on May 23, 2017, after the area was retaken during the ongoing offensive against Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Boys ride a donkey as a humvee belonging to the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service passes by while on patrol in the western neighborhood of Tamuz in Mosul on May 23, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Services holds a position as they advance toward Mosul's western Rifai neighborhood during their ongoing offensive against Islamic State group fighters on May 16, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Services flashes the sign for victory from a heavily armed vehicle as they advance toward Mosul's western Rifai neighborhood on May 16, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the Iraqi forces take position in a neighborhood of west Mosul on May 17, 2017, during an ongoing offensive to retake the area from Islamic State group fighters.
Fadel Senna, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi forces runs with his weapon in a neighborhood of west Mosul on May 17, 2017, during an ongoing offensive to retake the area from Islamic State group fighters.
Fadel Senna, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces deploy in western Mosul's 17 Tammuz neighborhood as they continue their military offensive to retake the city from jihadists of the Islamic State group on May 19, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi military vehicle passes displaced Iraqi boys returning to their homes in West Mosul's Oreibi neighborhood after government forces retook control of the area from the Islamic State group during the ongoing offensive against the jihadists on May 21, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of Iraqi federal police forces shaves his beard during a rest in Bab Jaded district on May 22, 2017. The Iraqi forces took full control over the neighborhoods of Hawi al-Kanisa and Najjar, while they continue fighting in five districts in western Mosul still under IS control. Thousands of people fled the city to refugee camps due to the fighting. Ahmed Jalil, European Pressphoto Agency

Iraqi policemen from the Iraqi federal police clash with the Islamic state fighters, during a military operation in the Bab Jaded district in the center of western Mosul, Iraq, on May 22, 2017. Ahmed Jalil, European Pressphoto Agency

Humvees of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service patrol in western Mosul's al-Islah al-Zaraye neighborhood on May 13, 2017, during a government forces' military offensive to retake the area from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Damaged buildings are seen through the window of an armored vehicle of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service advancing towards Mosul's Al-Oraibi western district May 14, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A members of the Iraqi forces guards a position in the northwestern al-Haramat neighborhood of Mosul on May 9, 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the area from Islamic State group fighters. Fadel Senna, AFP/Getty Images

Members of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Services advance in western Mosul's al-Islah al-Zaraye neighborhood during their ongoing offensive to retake the area from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Services walks on a tank covered in empty cartridges as they advance in western Mosul's al-Islah al-Zaraye neighborhood on May 11, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi security forces holds a position on the front line in Mosul's Old City on May 3, 2017, during an offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Nineveh Plain Protection Units, a small Christian militia charged with protecting the predominantly Christian Iraqi town of Qaraqosh, returns to his uncle's house in the town, which lies some 20 miles east of the northern city of Mosul on May 5, 2017.
Fadel Senna, AFP/Getty Images

Smoke plumes rise on the frontline as the Iraqi forces' Emergency Response Division advances in west Mosul on May 6, 2017, during the offensive to retake the area from Islamic State fighters. Fadel Senna, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the the Iraqi forces' Emergency Response Division stand guard at a checkpoint during the offensive in west Mosul to retake the area from Islamic State fighters on May 6, 2017. Fadel Senna, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi forces loads an anti-tank rocket propelled grenade as he holds a position in the northwestern Al-Haramat neighborhood of Mosul on May 8, 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the area from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi forces' Emergency Response Division rides on top of a humvee advancing on the frontlines in west Mosul on May 6, 2017, during the offensive to retake the area from Islamic State fighters. Fadel Senna, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi-modified T-72M tank belonging to the pro-government Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) paramilitary forces advances towards the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Hatra, southwest of the northern city of Mosul, during an offensive to retake the area from Islamic State group fighters on April 26, 2017.
Hatra is the latest important archaeological site to be recaptured from IS. Jihadists had embarked on a campaign of destruction against archaeological sites after they seized swathes of Iraq and Syria in a lightning 2014 offensive. The full extent of the harm to Hatra remains unclear. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi pro-government Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary forces gestures from the modern town of Hatra, near the eponymous UNESCO-listed ancient city, southwest of the northern city of Mosul, on April 28, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the Iraqi forces stand on an armored vehicle during a patrol in west Mosul on May 2, 2017, during the offensive to retake the city from Islamic State fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi-modified T-72M tank belonging to the pro-government Hashed al-Shaabiparamilitary forces advances towards the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Hatra, southwest of the northern city of Mosul, during an offensive to retake the area from Islamic State group fighters, on April 26, 2017. Hatra is the latest important archaeological site to be recaptured from IS. Jihadists had embarked on a campaign of destruction against archaeological sites after they seized swathes of Iraq and Syria in a lightning 2014 offensive.
The full extent of the harm to Hatra remains unclear. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Smoke plumes rise in the background as members of the Iraqi pro-government Hashed al-Shaabi humvee, during their advance towards the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Hatra, southwest of the northern city of Mosul. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi pro-government Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary forces raises the victory gesture during advance towards the city of Hatra, southwest of the northern city of Mosul. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi forces guards the distribution of aid packages for west Mosul residents provided by volunteers on the eastern side on April 21, 2017, as Iraqi forces continue the offensive to retake the city from Islamic State fighters. Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi forces' Mil Mi-28 "Havoc" helicopter fires flares in west Mosul on April 21, 2017, during the ongoing battle by Iraqi forces to seize the city from Islamic State jihadists. Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images

Shiite Muslim worshipers and members of the Iraqi Federal Police commemorate the anniversary of the death of the 8th-century Imam Musa al-Kadhimin in west Mosul on April 23, 2017. Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi forces helicopter flies in front of black smoke rising from the horizon in west Mosul on April 25, 2017. Iraqi forces retook full control of one the largest neighborhoods of west Mosul from the Islamic State after a week of intense fighting, a top commander said. Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images

Smoke and shrapnel rise from a coalition airstrike as Iraqi special forces battle Islamic State militants from a rooftop position in the al-Tanek neighborhood of Mosul, Iraq, on April 24, 2017. Maya Alleruzzo, AP

A soldier with the Iraqi special forces looks through the hole of a destroyed house in west Mosul during street to street fighting between the Iraqi forces and the Islamic State continues April 23, 2017. Bram Janssen, AP

A soldier with the Iraqi special forces stands against a wall in the city of Mosul as fighting between Iraqi forces and the Islamic State continues on April 22, 2017. The name of the Iraqi governorate of 'Diwaniya' is written on the wall behind him, which was painted by Iraqi special forces from that area after liberating the neighborhood in Mosul from the Islamic State. Bram Janssen, AP

Iraqi special forces duck to avoid militant snipers as they battle Islamic State militants from a rooftop position in the al-Tanek neighborhood of west Mosul, Iraq, on April 21, 2017. Maya Alleruzzo, AP

An Iraqi special forces soldier moves from a rooftop position to restock ammunition during fierce clashes with Islamic State militants in the al-Tanek neighborhood in Mosul on April 21, 2017. Maya Alleruzzo, AP

Iraqi forces from the elite Rapid Response Division fire mortars toward Islamic State group positions during their advance in western Mosul on April 19, 2017, as part of their campaign to retake the city. Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi special forces soldiers wait for a colleague to fire a rocket at Islamic State militants as smoke from an airstrike billows from the site in the in the al-Tanek neighborhood of Mosul. Maya Alleruzzo, AP

Iraqi federal police fire a mortar at an Islamic State position during the battle to recapture west Mosul, on April 12, 2017, in Mosul, Iraq. Despite being completely surrounded, Islamic State fighters are continuing to put up stiff resistance to Iraqi forces who are now having to engage militants in house-to-house fighting as they continue their battle to retake Iraq's second-largest city of Mosul. Carl Court, Getty Images

Iraqi counterterrorism service forces advance towards the Sekak neighborhood in western Mosul on April 11, 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the city from Islamic State jihadists. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces gesture as they stand outside a building during clashes with Islamic State fighters in Mosul on April 15, 2017, during an offensive to recapture the city. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi forces shoots suppressive fire while taking cover behind a barrier made of debris in the old city of Mosul during the offensive to recapture the city from Islamic State fighters April 16, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

U.S. soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division lift weights on their base east of Mosul on April 17, 2017. The soldiers, from C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment are responsible for firing artillery in support of Iraqi forces battling Islamic State militants in Mosul. Maya Alleruzzo, AP

U.S. Army Spc. Dan Decker, 23, from Somerset, Kentucky poses with an artillery shell on his base east of Mosul on April 17, 2017. Decker, from the 82nd Airborne Division's C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment is part of the team responsible for firing artillery in support of Iraqi forces battling Islamic State militants in Mosul. Maya Alleruzzo, AP

U.S. soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division fire artillery in support of Iraqi forces fighting Islamic State militants from their base east of Mosul on April 17, 2017. The soldiers are from C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment. Maya Alleruzzo, AP

An Iraqi special forces soldier wears a rose in his body armor as troops move from the Yarmouk neighborhood to take another district from Islamic State militant control in Mosul, Iraq on April 12, 2017. Maya Alleruzzo, AP

Iraqi federal police gesture as smoke rises from the point of impact after firing a mortar at an Islamic State position during the battle to recapture west Mosul on April 12, 2017 in Mosul, Iraq. Despite being completely surrounded, Islamic State fighters are continuing to put up stiff resistance to Iraqi forces who are now having to engage I.S in house to house fighting as they continue their battle to retake Iraq's second largest city of Mosul. Carl Court, Getty Images

An Iraqi federal policeman covers his ears as an anti-tank rocket is fired at an Islamic State position during the battle to recapture west Mosul on April 13, 2017 in Mosul, Iraq. Carl Court, Getty Images

An Iraqi federal policeman uses a helmet on a stick to try and draw fire from an Islamic State sniper in an attempt to make him reveal his position during the battle to recapture west Mosul on April 13, 2017 in Mosul, Iraq. Carl Court, Getty Images

Armored vehicles of the Iraqi forces advance towards the Old City in western Mosul on March 24, 2017, during an offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Gharabli, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi counter terrorism forces member stands guard in Mosul's al-Jadida area on March 26, 2017, following air strikes in which civilians have been reportedly killed during an ongoing offensive against the Islamic State group. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Displaced Iraqi children, who fled their homes in the Old City in western Mosul due to the ongoing fighting between government forces and Islamic State group fighters, are seen looking towards a security forces member ahead of being taken to the Hammam al-Alil camp, south of Mosul, on March 27, 2017.
Ahmad Gharabli, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi security forces member flashes the sign for victory as he secures displaced Iraqis, who fled their homes in the Old City in western Mosul due to the ongoing fighting against Islamic State group fighters, as they head to the Hammam al-Alil camp, south of Mosul, on March 27, 2017.
Ahmad Gharabli, AFP/Getty Images

A Federal Police soldier walks out of a house on a front line near the old city during fighting against Islamic State militants on the western side of in Mosul, Iraq, on March 28, 2017. Felipe Dana, AP

A Federal Police soldier lays on a couch before moving to a front line near the old city during fighting against Islamic State militants on the western side of in Mosul, Iraq, March 28, 2017. Felipe Dana, AP

An Iraqi soldier walks next to a destroyed building which was used by Islamic state group as 'Islamic police station' and a prison, at Dawasa district western Mosul, Iraq, on March 23, 2017. Iraqi forces battled IS fighters to push into Mosul's old city, while thousands of civilians fled the city. Iraqi forces backed by US-led coalition airstrikes have retaken the eastern part of the city and about half of the west across the Tigris river, an Iraqi army officer said. Ahmed Jalil, European Pressphoto Agency

A member of the Iraqi counterterrorism service gazes from the turret of an armored vehicle during the advance toward al-Resala neighborhood in west Mosul on March 21, 2017, as part of the government forces' ongoing offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi Army, Russian built Mi-28 attack helicopter fires toward the position of the Islamic state group west of Mosul. Iraqi forces backed by airstrikes from a U.S.-led coalition recaptured many districts in western Mosul, and the fighting has reached into the Old City and around the Mosul's al-Nuri Mosque, where the Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had declared his 'caliphate' in his only known public appearance in 2014. Ahmed Jalil, European Pressphoto Agency

Iraqi forces, consisting of the Iraqi federal police and the elite Rapid Response Division, fire toward Islamic State group jihadists as they advance in the Old City in western Mosul on March 19, 2017, during the offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A sniper member of the Iraqi forces, consisting of the Iraqi federal police and the elite Rapid Response Division, takes aim during their advance in the Old City in western Mosul on March 19, 2017, during the offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces, consisting of the Iraqi federal police and the elite Rapid Response Division, advance in the Old City in western Mosul on March 19, 2017, during the offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces, consisting of the Iraqi federal police and the elite Rapid Response Division, hold a position as they advance in the Old City in western Mosul on March 19, 2017, during the offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi forces, consisting of the Iraqi federal police and the elite Rapid Response Division, secures a building as troops advance in the Old City in western Mosul on March 19, 2017, during the offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi forces runs for cover as they advance in the Old City in western Mosul on March 19, 2017, during the offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi forces peaks from behind a metal door as they advance in the Old City in western Mosul on March 19, 2017, during the offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi security forces vehicle drives through a street as troops advance towards the Old City of Mosul on March 20, 2017, during the offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. The forces have recaptured several neighborhoods from IS since starting the push for west Mosul last month, but the battle for the Old City, with its warrens of alleyways, was always expected to be tough. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Members of Iraqi federal police fire mortars against Islamic State group jihadist positions in West Mosul during the government-led offensive to retake Iraq's second largest city on March 16, 2017. Aris Messinis, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi government forces fire a rocket towards Islamic State group positions in west Mosul on March 14, 2017, as they continue to advance in the embattled city combating the jihadists. Baghdad's forces launched a major drive last month to oust the Islamic State group from west Mosul, a battle that has pushed more than 80,000 people to flee their homes in less than three weeks. Aris Messinis, AFP/Getty Images

A cloud of smoke is seen rising from buildings as Iraq's elite Counter Terrorism Service advance towards Mosul's al-Nasser neighborhood on March 14, 2017 during the ongoing offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of Iraq's elite Counter Terrorism Service watches a football while residents evacuate the area as they advance towards Mosul's al-Nasser neighborhood on March 14, 2017 during the ongoing offensive to retake the city from Islamic State group fighters. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraq's elite Counter Terrorism Service patrols Mosul's western Al-Samud district on March 15, 2017, as troops continue to advance in the embattled city combating Islamic State group jihadists. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi security forces guard the destroyed Mosque of The Prophet Younis, or Jonah, in Mosul, Iraq. Iraqi archeologists think that tunnels dug under a destroyed shrine in Mosul by Islamic State militants have revealed the palace of the ancient Assyrian king of Esarhaddon. Khalid Mohammed, AP

A fighter from Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service takes cover inside a building in the Shuhada neighborhood of west Mosul during an offensive to retake the western parts of the city from the Islamic State jihadists.
Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi government forces supported by fighters from the Abbas Brigade, which fight under the umbrella of the Shiite popular mobilization units, advance in village of Badush during the ongoing battle to retake the Mosul from Islamic State group jihadists on March 8, 2017.
Iraqi forces worked to clear bombs and flush out any remaining jihadists in retaken areas of west Mosul to set the stage for an offensive against the Old City. Supported by US-led air strikes, the forces have made steady progress in their battle to seize Iraq's second city from the Islamic State group. Mohammed Sawaf, AFP/Getty Images

Armored vehicles and humvees of Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service advance in the Shuhada neighborhood of west Mosul during the advance against Islamic State group fighters inside the city on March 9, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A sniper aims his weapon towards Islamic State group fighters in west Mosul as Iraqi forces continue to fight against jihadists to further advance inside the city, on March 7, 2017. Iraqi forces said they had seized the main government offices in Mosul and its famed museum as they made steady progress in their battle to retake the city's west from jihadists. Aris Messinis, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi government forces supported by fighters from the Abbas Brigade, which fight under the umbrella of the Shiite popular mobilization units, advance in the village of Badush some 15 kilometers northwest of Mosul during the ongoing battle to retake the city's west from Islamic State group jihadists. Mohammed Sawaf, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi federal policemen open the road toward the government complex as Iraqi security forces advance during fighting against Islamic State militants in the Dawasa neighborhood in western Mosul. Khalid Mohammed, AP

A member of the Iraqi troops stands next to archeological findings inside an underground tunnel in east Mosul on Mar. 6, 2017. Two winged bulls dating from the Assyrians empire were found in a labyrinth of narrow underground tunnels dug by the Islamic State group in east Mosul. The impressive maze of tunnels dug by the jihadists to carry out archaeological excavations is located in the heart of the hill that houses the tomb of the Prophet Jonah (Nabi Younes). Aris Messinis, AFP/Getty Images

Smoke rises following an airstrike in western Mosul on March 6, 2017, during an offensive by Iraqi forces to retake the western parts of the city from Islamic State group. Aris Messinis, AFP/Getty Images

U.S. army forces supervise during a training session at the Taji camp, north of Baghdad, with Iraqi soldiers, aimed at preparing them to install floating bridges, ahead of installing replacement ones in Mosul, on March 6, 2017. Sabah Arar, AFP/Getty Images

International coalition forces and Iraqi soldiers instal a floating bridge at the Taji camp, north of Baghdad, during a training session ahead of installing replacement bridges in Mosul. Sabah Arar, AFP/Getty Images

International coalition forces and Iraqi soldiers instal a floating bridge at the Taji camp, north of Baghdad, during a training session ahead of installing replacement bridges in Mosul. Sabah Arar, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces clash with Islamic State group fighters in Mosul on March 5, 2017, during an offensive to retake the western parts of the city from the jihadists. Iraqi forces attacked four jihadist-held areas in Mosul, the latest push in a battle for the city's west that has displaced more than 45,000 people since it began. Aris Messinis, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service officer of the Golden Division aims an RPG at an Islamic State sniper position in the west Mosul district of al-Mamoun, part of the offensive to retake the city some two years after it fell to Islamic State on March 2, 2017, in Mosul, Iraq. Martyn Aim, Getty Images

A donkey spray painted with "Daesh", the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group, stands on a hill outside Mosul, Iraq, on March 2, 2017, during an offensive by security forces to retake the western parts of the city from Islamic State group fighters. Aris Messinis, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi soldier inspects a recently discovered train tunnel that belonged to the former Baghdad to Mosul line, that was turned it to a training camp for Islamic State fighters, in western Mosul, Iraq, on March 1, 2017. Khalid Mohammed, AP

Iraqi forces hold a position as troops advance through Mosul's Jawasaq neighborhood on Feb. 27, 2017, during an offensive to retake the area from Islamic State group fighters. Iraqi forces battling the Islamic State group in west Mosul reached the city's southernmost bridge, a key step in efforts to defeat the jihadists in their stronghold, a spokesman said. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of Iraq's elite Rapid Response Division opens fire against Islamic State group fighters from an armored vehicle turret in the northern city of Mosul as they continue the offensive to retake the city's western half from IS, on Feb. 25, 2017. The west bank of Mosul is where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made his only public appearance as IS leader in July 2014 and proclaimed a "caliphate", which at its greatest extent controlled a third of Iraq, but after more than two years of a government fightback it has become the last major jihadist bastion in the country. Aris Messinis, AFP/Getty Images

An explosion hits near a vehicle belonging to Iraq's elite Rapid Response Division during the assault to retake the northern city of Mosul, as Iraqi forces continue the offensive to retake the city's western half from IS, on Feb. 25, 2017. Aris Messinis, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces' armored vehicles advance towards Dindan neighborhood in the western half of the northern city of Mosul, during the offensive to retake the area from Islamic State group fighters, on Feb. 25, 2017.
Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of Iraq's Rapid Response Division reacts during an ongoing offensive by Iraqi troops to retake the northern city of Mosul from from jihadists of the Islamic State group, on Feb. 24, 2017.
Aris Messinis, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces, supported by the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitaries, prepare to advance advance towards the village of Sheikh Younis, south of Mosul, after the offensive to retake the western side of the city from Islamic State group fighters commenced on Feb. 19, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi security forces display an Iraqi 25 Dinar banknote, bearing the portrait of late Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, in the village of al-Buseif, south of Mosul, during an offensive to retake the western side of the city from Islamic State group fighters on Feb. 21, 2017. Iraqi forces consolidated positions after blasting their way to the southern edge of Mosul in an assault Baghdad and its partners hope will spell the doom of the jihadist "caliphate". Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi security forces advance in the village of al-Buseif, south of Mosul, during an offensive to retake the western side of the city from Islamic State group fighters on Feb. 21, 2017.
Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi security forces aims his weapon as they advance in the village of al-Buseif, south of Mosul, during an offensive to retake the western side of the Islamic State group's last major stronghold in Iraq, on Feb.21, 2017. Iraqi forces backed by jets and gunships retook Al-Buseif, a village which IS had used as its main base south of Mosul, said Brigadier General Abbas al-Juburi, of the Rapid Response force.
Mahmud Saleh, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi security forces are deployed in the village of al-Buseif, south of Mosul, during an offensive to retake the western side of the city from Islamic State group fighters on Feb. 21, 2017.
Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi security forces look at a makeshift armored vehicle rigged with explosives after capturing it from Islamic State group fighters in the village of al-Buseif, south of Mosul, during an offensive to retake the western side of the city from IS jihadists on Feb. 21, 2017.
Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi security forces drive in the village of Albu Saif, south of Mosul, after they recaptured the village from the control of the Islamic State group on Feb. 21, 2017, during the ongoing military offensive to retake the western side of Mosul.
I Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A civilian plants a white flag in a berm as he arrives at the defense line of Iraqi federal police forces in the town of Abu Saif after escaping Islamic State territory, on Feb. 21, 2017. Bram Janssen, AP

A civilian kisses a federal police officer after escaping Islamic State territory in the town of Abu Saif, on Feb. 21, 2017. Iraqi forces advanced into the southern outskirts of Mosul in a push to drive Islamic State militants from the city's western half, as the visiting U.S. defense secretary met with officials to discuss the fight against the extremists. Bram Janssen, AP

Tanks and armored vehicles of the Iraqi forces, supported by the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitaries, advance towards the village of Sheikh Younis, south of Mosul, after the offensive to retake the western side of Mosul from Islamic State fighters commenced Feb.19, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi police forces fire from a humvee at Islamic State positions from a hillside outside the town of Abu Saif, on Feb. 20, 2017. Iraqi Federal Police forces have pushed into the southern outskirts of Mosul on the second day of a new push to drive Islamic State militants from the city's western half. Iraqi helicopters were seen firing rockets on Monday at the village of Abu Saif, mainly at a hill that overlooks the city's airport and provides the militants with a natural defense line on the southern approaches to Mosul. Bram Janssen, AP

A member of the federal police smokes a cigarette during a break in fighting against Islamic State militants, in Hamam al-Alil, Iraq, on Feb. 19, 2017. U.S.-backed Iraqi forces launched a large-scale military operation on Sunday to dislodge Islamic State militants from the western half of Mosul. Bram Janssen, AP

Iraqi forces, supported by the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization) paramilitaries, advance towards the village of Sheikh Younis, south of Mosul, Iraq after the offensive to retake the western side of Mosul from Islamic State started Feb. 19, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A fighter of the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) paramilitaries stands guard in a foxhole near the frontline village of Shar'iah, on the outskirts of Tal Afar west of Mosul, where Iraqi forces are preparing for the offensive retake the western side of Mosul from Islamic State group fighters, on Feb. 17, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A fighter of the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) paramilitaries poses for a picture carrying a Kalashnikov assault rifle next to an Iraqi flag at a defensive position near the frontline village of Ayn al-Hisan, on the outskirts of Tal Afar west of Mosul, where Iraqi forces are preparing for the offensive retake the western side of Mosul from Islamic State group fighters, on Feb. 18, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi Army soldiers stand guard in a police station destroyed by Islamic State militants in recently liberated neighborhoods from the militants in the eastern Mosul, Iraq, on Jan. 25, 2017. Khalid Mohammed, AP

Iraqi Army soldiers deploy after defeating Islamic State militants in the eastern side of Mosul, Iraq, on Jan. 24, 2017. The United Nations and several aid organizations say an estimated 750,000 civilians are still living under Islamic State rule in Mosul despite recent advances by Iraqi forces, and Iraq's prime minister on Tuesday declared eastern Mosul "fully liberated" from Islamic State militants. Khalid Mohammed, AP

Members of the Iraqi Shiite militia, Imam Ali Brigades, carry the coffin of a comrade who was killed in clashes with Islamic State fighters in eastern Mosul, Iraq, during a funeral procession in Najaf, southern Iraq on Jan. 23, 2017. Iraqi Defense Ministry announced that the Iraqi army gained the full control over the entire eastern side of Mosul after routing the Islamic State following three months of fighting. Khider Abbas, European Pressphoto Agency

Iraqi forces stand next to weapons reportedly belonging to Islamic State jihadists next to Al-Salam hospital after recapturing the area on Jan. 9, 2017, during an ongoing military operation to retake Mosul.
Iraqi forces will retake east Mosul from the jihadists within days, a top commander said, after his fighters in the city reached the Tigris River for the first time. Mahmoud Al-Samarrai, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces members gather next to Al-Salam hospital after recapturing the area from Islamic State group jihadists during an ongoing military operation against the militants.
Mahmoud Al-Samarrai, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi special forces Counter Terrorism Service patrols a street with an armored vehicle in Mosul's Al-Zahraa neighborhood on Jan. 7, 2017, during an ongoing military operation against the Islamic State group. Iraqi forces battling the Islamic State group in Mosul are approaching the Tigris River, which runs through the center of the city, the spokesman for the Counter-Terrorism Service said. Dimitar Dilkoff, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi special forces Counter Terrorism Service member screams during a battle against Islamic State group jihadists in Mosul's al-Rifaq neighborhood on Jan. 8, 2017, as an ongoing military operation against the militants continues. Dimitar Dilkoff, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi Rapid Response Division holds his weapon as he walks near the front line at the northern edge of al-Mithaq neighborhood in southeastern Mosul, on Jan. 4, 2017. Iraqi forces have retaken more than 60% of eastern Mosul from the Islamic State group since the battle for the city began in mid-October. Ahmad Mousa, AFP/Getty Images

French soldiers are silhouetted while French President Francois Hollande visits a military outpost on the outskirts of the northern city of Mosul, on Jan. 2, 2017. Western support for military action against Islamic State jihadists is key to preventing attacks at home, Hollande said in Iraq, where yet another bombing killed dozens. Pool photo by Christophe Ena

French President Francois Hollande and French Defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, right, look at Islamic State-held territory as they visit a military outpost on the outskirts of the northern city of Mosul, on January 2, 2017. Western support for military action against Islamic State jihadists is key to preventing attacks at home, French President Francois Hollande said in Iraq, where yet another bombing killed dozens. Pool photo by Christophe Ena

Iraqi special forces patrol the Al-Quds neighborhood after recapturing it from Islamic State group jihadists, on Jan. 3, 2017, during an ongoing operation to retake the city of Mosul. Iraqi forces advanced after declaring a new phase in their offensive on eastern Mosul, stepping up efforts to reclaim the Islamic State's last major stronghold in the country. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Members of Iraq's elite Rapid Response Division take position as they look for a suspected car bomb while advancing in Mosul's southeastern Al-Mithaq neighborhood during an ongoing military operation against Islamic State jihadists on Jan. 3, 2017. Ahmad Mousa, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces patrol the Al-Intisar area in eastern Mosul after recapturing it in an ongoing military operation against Islamic State jihadists on Jan. 1, 2017. Iraqi forces have retaken more than 60% of eastern Mosul from the Islamic State group since the battle for the city began in mid-October, a top commander said. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the Iraqi special forces advance in Mosul's eastern al-Karamah neighborhood on Jan. 2, 2017, during an ongoing military operation against Islamic State group jihadists. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces detain a man suspected of belonging to the Islamic State in the Al-Intisar area in eastern Mosul after recapturing it in an ongoing military operation against the jihadists on Jan. 1, 2017. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi forces patrols in Mosul's eastern Al-Intisar neighborhood on Dec. 30, 2016, during an ongoing military operation against Islamic State group jihadists.
Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces launch a rocket in Mosul's eastern Al-Intisar neighborhood. Iraqi forces advanced after declaring a new phase in their offensive on eastern Mosul, stepping up efforts to reclaim the Islamic State group's last major stronghold in the country. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi Army soldiers inspect defenses in the eastern section of Mosul, Iraq. Iraq's special forces are continuing to push back Islamic State militants in the eastern sector of Mosul. Khalid Mohammed, AP

A member of the Iraqi pro-government forces check as building in Mosul's southeastern Sumer neighborhood on December 29, 2016, during an ongoing military operation against Islamic State group jihadists. Iraqi forces advanced after declaring a new phase in their offensive on eastern Mosul, stepping up efforts to reclaim the Islamic State group's last major stronghold in the country.
Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces advanced after declaring a new phase in their offensive on eastern Mosul, stepping up efforts to reclaim the Islamic State group's last major stronghold in the country.
Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces advanced after declaring a new phase in their offensive on eastern Mosul, stepping up efforts to reclaim the Islamic State group's last major stronghold in the country.
Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Iraqi Federal Police takes a selfie in front of U.S Army personnel while attending Christmas Day mass at Mar Hanna church in Qaraqosh on Dec. 25, 2016, in Mosul, Iraq. The predominantly Christian towns of Bartella and Qaraqosh on the outskirts of Mosul were recently liberated from ISIL as part of the Mosul offensive. The towns were heavily damaged and churches burned and defaced while under ISIL control. Christian communities around Mosul are celebrating Christmas Day as the Mosul offensive continues. Chris McGrath, Getty Images

A soldier from the NPU (Nineveh Plain Protection Units) holds a candle while attending Christmas Day mass at Mar Hanna church in Qaraqosh on Dec. 25, 2016, in Mosul, Iraq. The predominantly Christian towns of Bartella and Qaraqosh on the outskirts of Mosul were recently liberated from ISIL as part of the Mosul offensive. The towns were heavily damaged and churches burned and defaced while under ISIL control. Christian communities around Mosul are celebrating Christmas Day as the Mosul offensive continues. Chris McGrath, Getty Images

Christian militia fighters from the Nineveh Plain Protection Units drive a pick-up truck in Qaraqosh transporting four men, allegedly members of the Islamic State group that were found inside a tunnel in Mosul, on Dec. 20, 2016. Jm Lopez, AFP/Getty Images

A sniper of the Iraqi Special Forces scans for target from his position in Mishraq district in Mosul, Iraq. Advancing into Mosul has become a painful slog for Iraqi forces. Islamic State group militants have fortified each neighborhood, unlike past battles where they concentrated their defenses in one part of the city. Manu Brabo, AP

Iraqi members of the Special Forces scan the area held by Islamic state militants from a roof in Mishraq district in Mosul, Iraq. Advancing into Mosul has become a painful slog for Iraqi forces. Islamic State group militants have fortified each neighborhood, unlike past battles where they concentrated their defenses in one part of the city. Manu Brabo, AP

Iraqi special forces gather next to their armored vehicles in the neighborhood of al-Barid, east of Mosul, on December 18, 2016 during their ongoing operation against Islamic State group jihadists to wrest back the city. Mahmoud Al-Samarrai, AFP/Getty Images

Shiite fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary units advance towards the village of Shwah, south of the city of Tal Afar on the western outskirts of Mosul, on Dec. 13, 2016, during an ongoing operation against Islamic State group jihadists. Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary forces said they retook three more villages southwest of Mosul, completing another phase in operations aimed at cutting the jihadists' link to Syria. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

A Shiite fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary units sits next to weapons as they enter the village of Shwah, south of the city of Tal Afar on the western outskirts of Mosul. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Shiite fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary units dance and flash the sign for victory after entering the village of Shwah, south of the city of Tal Afar on the western outskirts of Mosul. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi army soldiers advance through rain towards Mosul, in the eastern Samah neighborhood, of Mosul, Iraq. Iraqi forces met stiff resistance in Mosul, including waves of suicide car bombs, since launching an offensive to retake the city in October. They have retaken less than a quarter of the city since the operation began. Hadi Mizban, AP

Shiite fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary forces fire toward an enemy position as they advance to the Iraqi town of Shwah. The fighting is part of an ongoing operation against Islamic State group jihadists. The Hashed al-Shaabi forces have been fighting on a western front, in a campaign aimed at retaking the town of Tal Afar and cutting IS supply lines between Mosul and Syria. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Shiite fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary forces advance toward the Iraqi town of Shwah, west of Mosul, during an ongoing operation against Islamic State jihadists. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi soldiers of the 17th Division carry a wounded comrade after a mortar fell in an area where the troops where gathering to advance towards the Islamic State group held village of Ganus, around 70 km, 44 miles, south of Mosul, Iraq. Manu Brabo, AP

Iraqi Shiite fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitaries prepare ammunition from their position in the village of Abu Shuwaihi, southwest of Mosul, before firing towards Islamic State group's jihadists in Tall Zalat, on December 3, 2016 during their ongoing operation to retake Mosul.
Forces from the Iraqi army retook four villages from the Islamic State northeast of the city of Mosul, the Joint Operations Command said. The recapture by the army's 16th division of the villages between Bashiqa and Mosul clears the way for Iraqi forces to enter the city from the northeast. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Shiite fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi line up to receive food from volunteers who cook for pro government forces in the village of Ayn al-Baidha, near Ayn an Nasr, south of Mosul. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Shiite fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi drive near the village of Ayn Nasir, south of Mosul, on December 4, 2016, during the ongoing operation against Islamic State group jihadists. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi forces fire a D30 122mm gun in the village of Abu Saif south of Mosul aon Dec. 1, 2016.
Tens of thousands of Iraqi troops and allied forces launched an offensive last month to retake Mosul, which was seized by ISIL more than two years ago. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Shiite fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi hold a position in the village of Baylunah, southwest of Mosul, on Nov. 27, 2016, during an ongoing operation against Islamic State group jihadists.
More than 70,000 people have been displaced in the Mosul area since Iraqi forces launched a major offensive to retake the ISIL bastion on Oct. 17. Ahmad Al-Rubaye, AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi men mourn over the coffin of a fighter from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitaries, who was killed in battles against Islamic State group jihadists in the town of Tal Afar, during his funeral in the southern city of Basra. Haidar Mohammed Ali, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the Iraqi special forces fire toward a position of the Islamic State group from a rooftop in a northeastern district of the Iraqi city of Mosul on Nov. 24, 2016. Elite forces gained new ground in east Mosul, looking for fresh momentum as stiffer-than-expected ISIL resistance threatened to bog down the 5-week-old offensive against the jihadists' last major stronghold in Iraq. Thomas Coex, AFP/Getty Images

An Iraqi special forces soldier leads an alleged Islamic State collaborator inside a house where they gather people to transfer them to refugee camps in the Samah neighborhood of Mosul, Iraq. Hussein Malla, AP

Members of the Iraqi Christian forces Kataeb Babylon walk in the courtyard of the Mar Benham Syriac Catholic monastery, which has been defaced by Islamic State jihadists, in the town of Khidr Ilyas, southeast of Mosul, on Nov. 22. Iraqi fighters battling to oust the Islamic State group from Mosul captured the Catholic Mar Benham monastery Nov. 20, allowing its priests to return. Dating back to the fourth century AD, the monastery lies south of Iraq's second-largest city, which became a bastion of the jihadist group that swept across northern Iraq in 2014. Safin Hamed, AFP/Getty Images